Simple as 1-2-3

Several years ago as I was approaching my 50th birthday and was deep in marathon mode I decided that I’d celebrate my 50th birthday by running the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 Mile Endurance Race. Unfortunately, my plans were derailed by unforeseen and uncontrollable circumstances and the race would go on without me.

In January of this year, now eight years later, as I began my goal setting for 2014, I thought “why not tackle the Tahoe Rim Trail 50 this year?” With no good reason not to go for it I set the goal, devised a plan, followed the plan, and accomplished the goal! It was as simple as that…as simple as 1-2-3!

OK, there’s nothing simple about running a 50 mile race at 7,000 to 9,400 ft. altitude with 8,000 ft. elevation gain, but the PROCESS, like with any difficult thing, IS simple:

1 – Set a goal 2 – Make a plan (with ALL the steps) 3 – Follow the plan (doggedly, determinedly)

The Goal – Get ready for, run, and complete one of the toughest 50 mile races in the country! The Plan – Beginning the year already in marathon shape was a good start, but obviously there was much to do to be ready for twice that distance. I did my research and found a training plan that I believed would work for me. I then loaded that plan into my personal calendar and made adjustments here and there to accommodate pre-existing events, while maintaining the integrity of the training plan. The plan also included even more careful attention to general nutrition as well as to nutrition during long training runs and especially during the race. Finally, studying the race, the trail, the maps, and everything I could get my hands on was all part of a plan for success.

Follow the Plan – Here’s where the rubber meets the road…literally! I knew I HAD TO follow the plan! It was hard and yes, there were days when I’d think “not today!” But in my mind there was no choice. I just had to do it. No one was watching…but me. To cheat would be cheating myself! I knew a day off would cost me in the long run. On the other hand an extra push up an extra hill would be a big help on the day of the race! I could not skip the critical long runs…and I didn’t! When other [more attractive] opportunities came up and I’d say “sorry I can’t – I have to run 27 miles that day” people would say “you don’t HAVE to…!” I’d just smile and say “yes I do!”

Well, the plan came to an end on Saturday, July 19th when I crossed the finish line after the hardest, but one of the most beautiful and enjoyable runs of my life. I was exhausted and ready to be done, but I felt surprisingly good…because I had followed the plan. A race is just the celebration lap at the end of training, and I was celebrating! Simple…as 1-2-3!